Multi-purpose hand tool

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose hand tool includes a first side and a second side that are pivotally connected. The first side includes a lower end having a first handgrip and an upper end including a shaft having a hammer head at one end; a first recess extending at least partially along a bottom of the shaft for holding one or more straight fasteners; and a second recess located substantially in a bottom part of the hammer head for holding one or more rounded fasteners.

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 62/539,730filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on 1 Aug. 2017, theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hand tool used for performingconstruction and maintenance activities. More specifically, the presentinvention is directed to a multi-purpose hand tool for installing,repairing, and/or removing materials related to barriers, such as wirefence structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand tools serve an important function in the construction andmaintenance of buildings and other structures. Such construction andmaintenance activities often require various tools.

There are situations in which a worksite is located at a considerabledistance from the required tools. Thus, the location of a worksite andlimitations on transportation may reduce accessibility to a diverserange of tools. In particular, access to a selection of tools may belimited in the building, repair, and/or replacement of barriers definingthe perimeter of a property.

Perimeters of property are frequently defined by barriers, such as wirefences, which are used to isolate the property, for example, to containlivestock or to exclude wildlife or unwelcome individuals. If theintegrity of a barrier is compromised (e.g., by acts of nature,livestock, wild animals, human intervention, or the like) a portion ofthe barrier may need to be repaired or replaced. The timely repair of acompromised barrier, like a wire fence, may minimize damage that couldresult from escaped livestock, which could cause harm to the livestock,to people, and to property.

Accordingly, there is a need for a single hand tool that can performmultiple tasks in the building, repair, and/or replacement of barriers.Specifically, it is desirable to have an easily-transportable,multi-purpose hand tool that facilitates repair and replacement of wirefencing, thereby reducing the need to transport multiple tools to aworksite.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a multi-purposehand tool includes a first side and a second side that are pivotallyconnected. The first side comprises a lower end having a first handgripand an upper end comprising a shaft having a hammer head at one end; afirst recess extending at least partially along a bottom of the shaftfor holding one or more straight fasteners; and a second recess locatedsubstantially in a bottom part of the hammer head for holding one ormore rounded fasteners.

According to another embodiment, the second side of the multi-purposehand tool may comprise a lower end having a second handgrip; and anupper end having a claw comprising two or more tines and extendingoutwardly in a direction opposite from the shaft.

According to yet another embodiment, the second side of themulti-purpose hand tool may comprise a pivot point on a top positionedat a point where the top slopes towards the claw.

According to another embodiment, the second recess may comprise groovescapable of holding a U-shaped fastener or staple.

According to yet another embodiment, the multi-purpose hand tool maycomprise a magnet at a point where a bent portion of the U-shapedfastener or staple is held within the second recess.

According to a further embodiment, the multi-purpose hand tool may havea first recess that widens towards the hammer head and comprisesshoulders or grooves forming the second recess.

An advantage of the hand tool of the present invention is that it allowsan operator to use only one hand to operate the tool and start ahammering or fastening process without having to hold fasteners with theother hand at the same time.

Another advantage of the hand tool of the present invention is that itcan hold two different kinds of fasteners simultaneously.

Yet another advantage of the hand tool of the present invention is thatan operator may have the use of a free hand to align parts of thebarrier or wire fence that is being worked on. Safety is greatlyenhanced by reducing the likelihood of operators inadvertently impactingtheir hands or fingers while using the tool.

In the detailed description, references to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or “in embodiments” mean that the feature being referred tois included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Moreover,separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or“embodiments” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however,neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so stated, andexcept as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus,the invention can include any variety of combinations and/orintegrations of the embodiments described herein.

As used herein “substantially”, “generally”, and other words of degreeare relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation fromthe characteristic so modified (e.g., ±0.1%, ±0.5%, ±1.0%, ±2%, ±5%,±10%, ±20%). It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value orcharacteristic which it modifies but rather possessing more of thephysical or functional characteristic than its opposite, and preferably,approaching or approximating such a physical or functionalcharacteristic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a multi-purpose hand tool according toan embodiment of the present invention in which handgrips are in aclosed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a multi-purpose hand tool of FIG. 1with the handgrips partially open.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-purpose hand toolaccording to an embodiment of the invention with a U-shaped fastenerexiting a fastener holder.

FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the multi-purpose handtool of FIG. 3 showing the U-shaped fastener in the fastener holder.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-purpose hand toolshowing a nail exiting from a nail holder according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-purpose hand tool ofFIG. 5 with a nail located in the nail holder.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a shaft and hammer headwith a U-shaped fastener and magnet according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose hand tool suitable forat least one of installing, repairing, or removing materials related towire fences. Although the description is directed to a hand tool that ismanually operated, it is understood that, in other embodiments, the handtool could be powered by another source (e.g., electricity, gas). Inaddition, although the description is directed to using the hand toolwith wire, it is understood that the hand tool could also be used withcable, twine, rope, electrical wire, and the like.

The hand tool may be made by any customary method of making hand tools.In a specific embodiment, the hand tool is made by investment castingfollowed by heat treatment in order to obtain a desired hardness.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the multi-purpose hand tool 100comprising a first body or side 105 and a second body or side 110. Sides105, 110 are interconnected at and pivot or rotate about a centrallylocated axis 115 in a plier-like or scissor-like manner. In embodiments,the axis 115 may comprise a rivet, pin, bolt, or hinge. FIG. 1 shows thehand tool in which handgrips 120, 125 in a closed position and FIG. 2shows the hand tool in which handgrips 120, 125 are in a partially openposition.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, first side 105 comprises an elongated handgrip120; clip bender 130 near the bottom of the handgrip; gripping teeth135; cutting surface 140; pincer 145; blunt pincer 147; an elongatedshaft 150 extending outwardly; and a hammer head 155 located at an endof elongated shaft 150. The elongated shaft enables the tensioning ofwire by winding the wire around the shaft, taking up the slack in thewire, and applying desired tension to achieve optimal barrier or fenceconstruction.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-3, second side 110 comprises an elongatedhandgrip 125, clip bender 131 near the bottom of the handgrip; grippingteeth 136, cutting surface 141; claw 170 extending outwardly in adirection opposite from the elongated shaft 150; pincer 146; and bluntpincer 148. The second side 110 has a pivot point 175 positioned on thetop, where the flat top begins to slope towards claw 170.

The elongated handgrips 120, 125 are located at a lower end of the sides105, 110 beneath axis 115, respectively. The hammer head 155 and a claw170 are located at an upper end of the sides 105, 110 above axis 115,respectively. In specific embodiments, claw 170 may have two or moretines. The tines may narrow towards each other nearing a center of thehand tool, such that part of a fastener (e.g., a nail) may be trappedand gripped between the tines, thereby allowing for a user to manipulatethe fastener. In specific embodiments, the pivot point 175, incombination with claw 170, helps a user pull fasteners from a barrier.The upper ends of sides 105, 110 form a substantially unitary partincluding elongated shaft, hammer head, pincers, pivot point, and clawwhen the handgrips are in a closed position (FIG. 1).

Below the axis 115, the handgrips 120, 125 have opposing gripping teeth135, 136, respectively, thereby providing the ability to clamp or gripobjects that are placed between the gripping teeth. In specificembodiments, the gripping teeth have a sawtooth configuration thatprovides an ability to clench an object without shearing it.

Near the bottom of elongated handgrips 120, 125 are clip benders 130,131, respectively. The clip benders 130, 131 may comprise orifices orholes of any desired configuration. In specific embodiments, the ends ofwire retainers may be inserted into the clips to secure wire to fenceposts and to leverage the clips into place. The clip benders may serveas a way to secure the hand tool for transportation or storage.

Side 105 has cutting surface 140 located on an outer edge thereof nearthe axis 115. Side 110 has cutting surface 141 located on an outer edgethereof near the axis 115. In specific embodiments, one or both cuttingsurfaces may comprise a notch or recess in a side of the hand tool. Thenotches or recesses may be sized to receive different sizes or gauges ofwire.

When the hand tool is open (e.g., by extending handgrips 120, 125 apartfrom each other and pivoting about axis 115 as shown in FIG. 2), thecutting surfaces 140, 141 may line up with each other, so that a wire orwires can fit into the notches or recesses. When the hand tool is movedinto a closed position (e.g., by moving handgrips 120, 125 toward eachother and pivoting about axis 115 as shown in FIG. 1), the cuttingsurfaces 140, 141 provide a shearing force for cutting the wire orwires. In specific embodiments, a first cutting surface may beconfigured to have a greater depth than that of a second cuttingsurface. Thus, the first cutting surface may shear a larger wire ormultiple wires; whereas, the second cutting surface may have a depth forshearing a smaller wire or a single wire.

At an upper end of side 105 above the axis 115, there are blunt pincer147 and pincer 145. At an upper end of side 110 above the axis 115,there are corresponding blunt pincer 148 and pincer 146. When the sides105, 110 are in the closed position, as in FIG. 1, both the bluntpincers 147, 148 and the pincers 145, 146 form respective cavities forseizing and clamping wire. By applying sufficient force, pincers 145,146 may be useful for cutting, gripping, or manipulating wires andfasteners. In a specific embodiment, the pincers 145, 146 may each havean inwardly angled or sloped side at a top portion, thereby enablinggrasping, stretching, and pulling of one or more wires.

According to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, elongatedshaft 150 comprises a first recess 180 extending at least partiallyalong a bottom section or portion of the shaft and including the hammerhead 155. The first recess 180 is configured to receive one or morestraight fasteners, such as nails or screws (FIGS. 5-6). In embodiments,the first recess 180 may have a greater depth at one end 181 (FIG. 4)configured to accommodate fasteners whose heads are of a greatercircumference in relation to the length of the fastener body. The firstrecess 180 allows a user to insert one or more straight fasteners intothe recess prior to starting any hammering action. In one embodiment,the one or more straight fasteners may be spring-loaded in the firstrecess.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second recess 182may be located substantially in a bottom part or section of the hammerhead 155. Second recess 182 may comprise opposing grooves 183, 184capable of holding one or more rounded fasteners (FIG. 4). Inembodiments, each opposing groove 183, 184 is configured to hold atleast part of a parallel side of a rounded or U-shaped fastener. Theopposing grooves 183, 184 may be configured to hold any size of roundedfastener, for example, fasteners for chicken wire or for standard wirefencing on ranches and farms. Rounded or U-shaped staples areparticularly suited for attaching wire to a fence post or barrier. In aspecific embodiment, second recess 182 holds a portion of rounded orU-shaped fastener, such that a substantial part of the parallel sides orprongs of the fastener extend outside the hammer head 155 (FIG. 4).

Second recess 182 may be separate from or integral with first recess180. In specific embodiments, first recess 180 may widen towards thehammer head and include opposing shoulders, ledges, or grooves 183, 184forming recess 182. Thus, the hand tool can hold one or more fasteners,so that an operator can begin a hammering or driving action in order todrive the one or more fasteners into a barrier with the hammer head.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portionof first recess 180 and/or second recess 182 may be magnetic to assistin holding a fastener in place. In a specific embodiment, a magnet 190may be attached within second recess 182 or within shaft 150 at a pointwhere a U-shaped staple is held, particularly the bent portion of aU-shaped staple within recess 182, as shown in in FIG. 7.

In a specific embodiment, the one or more straight fasteners and/or theone or more rounded fasteners are held in a horizontal orientationrelative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. Although the second recessis discussed above as being positioned or located beneath the firstrecess, it is possible to configure the hand tool such that the secondrecess would be positioned above the first recess.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been illustratedin the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in theart that many modifications and embodiments of the invention will cometo mind to which the invention pertains, having benefit of the teachingpresented in the foregoing description and associated drawings.

It is therefore understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments disclosed herein, and that many modifications andother embodiments of the invention are intended to be included withinthe scope of the invention. Moreover, although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense,and not for the purposes of limiting the description of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-purpose hand tool, comprising a firstside and a second side that are pivotally connected, said first sidecomprising a lower end and an upper end, said upper end comprising: 1) ashaft having a hammer head at one end; 2) a first recess extending atleast partially along a bottom of the shaft, said first recesscomprising: a) an end located in the shaft opposite the hammer head andhaving a depth configured to hold a head of a straight fastener, saiddepth being greater than the depth of a remaining part of the firstrecess, and b) opposing ledges on the bottom of the shaft that hold abody of the straight fastener in a horizontal orientation relative to alongitudinal axis of the shaft so that an end of the straight fastenerextends from a lower part of the striking surface of the hammer head; 3)a second recess located substantially in a bottom part of the hammerhead, said second recess comprising: a) a flat part formed by the bodyof the hammer head; and b) opposing sides of the hammer head extendingdownwardly from the flat part and forming opposing grooves that holdparallel sides of a U-shaped fastener in a perpendicular orientationrelative to a longitudinal axis of the first side, so that both ends ofthe U-shaped fastener extend from a lower part of the striking surfaceof the hammer head; and 4) a magnet at a point where a bent portion ofthe U-shaped fastener is held within said second recess, wherein saidfirst recess widens towards the hammer head and is integral with saidsecond recess.
 2. The multi-purpose hand tool according to claim 1,wherein the second side comprises: a lower end having a second handgrip;and an upper end comprising a claw comprising two or more tines andextending outwardly in a direction opposite from the shaft.
 3. Themulti-purpose hand tool according to claim 2, wherein the second sidefurther comprises a pivot point on a top, positioned at a point wherethe top slopes towards the claw.
 4. The multi-purpose hand toolaccording to claim 1, wherein: the first side further comprises a firstcutting surface in the form of a notch or recess in an outer edge; thesecond side further comprises a second cutting surface in the form of anotch or recess in an outer edge; and the first cutting surface isconfigured to cut one or more wires having a greater diameter than awire cut by the second cutting surface.
 5. The multi-purpose hand toolaccording to claim 2, wherein the first and second sides each furthercomprise an orifice near a bottom of their respective handgrips.
 6. Themulti-purpose hand tool according to claim 1, wherein the first andsecond sides are pivotally connected about a rivet, pin, bolt, or hinge.7. The multi-purpose hand tool according to claim 1, wherein theU-shaped fastener is a U-shaped staple.
 8. The multi-purpose hand toolaccording to claim 1, wherein the straight fastener is a nail or screw.9. The multi-purpose hand tool according to claim 1, wherein theopposing grooves hold parallel sides of a U-shaped fastener in ahorizontal orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. 10.The multi-purpose hand tool according to claim 1, wherein the firstrecess comprises an opening extending at least partially along thebottom of the shaft.